When a middle school math teacher walked off the job, the Detroit School District was unable to replace her or find a substitute – of any kind. Instead, according to a lawsuit, the school put the highest achieving math student in charge of teaching class – FOR A MONTH!

13 year old teaches math for a month

Detroit public schools are in such deplorable condition that parents are suing the school district for “fair and equitable” education for their children. Minority children in Detroit are left with no option but to attend substandard Detroit Public Schools that cannot even meet safe health code standards. Teachers must purchase supplies like paper and pencils out of their own pocket or solicit donations from local private schools.

To read more about the crisis facing our inner city schools in Detroit, visit The Herald News.

Math Dude videos offer online math support for your next Project Based Learning with Math lesson.

Math Dude – Mike DeGraba

I love Math Dude videos. Mike DeGraba is Math Dude. Like Superman, Math Dude is just a regular guy with regular problems, and super problem solving powers. He connects well with students and speaks plainly while still using rich math vocabulary.

Click on the picture to watch Math Dude in action,

Math Dude made a series of videos covering all the Algebra 1 topics common to most classrooms. Many of these standards have been moved down to 8th grade math or Pre-algebra with the introduction of Common Core. These Math Dude videos begin with solving one-step equations and end with solving exponential and quadratic functions. The technology is a bit dated, but I use EdPuzzle in conjunction with Math Dude videos to create an interactive lesson for my students. I also link students to Math Dude videos when my students are absent due to illness, class activity, or family vacation.

Math Dude – Mike DeGraba

Math Dude videos are hosted by Montgomery County Public Schools. These five to 14 minute videos are available on youtube as well. You can show Math Dude videos over a live internet signal or download them. I prefer to download the videos so that I do not lose class time if the internet signal is weak. I also use Math Dude based EdPuzzle videos when I have to be subbed out for the day.

Math Dude is on Facebook and Twitter.

Math Dude gives students a welcome break from Khan Academy, and encourages students to use resources other than raising their hand or asking a friend. Take an opportunity to watch a few of the Math Dude videos and judge for yourself. Please let me know what you think by leaving a comment above.

Welcome to Project Based Learning with Math. My mission as a teacher is to develop students who are prepared to tackle difficult projects with logic, review & revise through collaboration with peers, and persevere in finding creative solutions.

Giant Dipper – Santa Cruz, CA

I started this website as a place for educators to share ideas and resources. Elementary, secondary, homeschool, whatever your area of focus, you are welcome here and I am anxious to hear from you.

Developing students who are prepared to tackle difficult projects with logic, review and revise those projects through collaboration with peers, and persevere in finding creative solutions.